Schizophrenia is a disease that usually occurs in young people for no reason at all. The cause of the illness is unknown. It affects the person's thinking, feeling, movement and behavior. The brain regulates all these things. The brain functioning is disturbed in several ways. These three ways are through Positive Symptoms, Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Symptoms.

Positive Symptoms

A person's thought processes with this illness can be disrupted so that one does not directly relate their previous thoughts. Also there are delusions that are beliefs that are untrue. There are four types of delusions: paranoid delusions -- in that a person believes that people are trying to harm him even though it isn't true. A second delusion is a delusion of reference that occurs when things in the environment seem to be directly related to the person even though they aren't. Third, is a somatic delusion in which there are erroneous beliefs about the body, and the last delusion is a delusion of grandeur, which occurs when a person believes that he/she is very special or have special powers or abilities.

The next positive symptom is hallucinations. There are five of these. The first type is auditory in that the person hears things that other people do not hear. The second type is visual in that a person sees things that other people do not see. The third type is olfactory in which the person smells things that other people don't smell. Fourth is tactile in which the person feels like something is touching his skin even though there is nothing actually coming in touch with the skin. Fifth is gustatory in which the person tastes something that is really not there.

The person's behavior and movement is also affected. They may seem more agitated and hyper, or feel weighted down and sluggish.

Negative Symptoms

These symptoms include: inability to enjoy activity as much as before, low energy, a blank, blunted facial expression, or having less lively facial movements. Low motivation, difficulty initiating activities, and an inability to make friends, keep friends, or not caring if they have friends.

Cognitive Symptoms

These symptoms affect concentration or memory. They are as follows: disorganized thinking, slow thinking, difficulty understanding others, poor concentration, poor memory, difficulty expressing thoughts and difficulty integrating thoughts, feelings and behavior.

If a person has some or all of these symptoms they should contact their doctor. He/she can explain them the symptoms to the person affected, and how they may better control them.

Psychosis is a general term used to describe psychotic symptoms. Schizophrenia is a type of psychosis. The symptoms of psychosis include: confusion, inability to think clearly, difficulty putting thoughts together, rapid thoughts that are hard to follow, inability to pay attention or to concentrate, confused speech, as well as disorganized behavior, and auditory, olfactory, visual and tactile hallucinations.

There are four types of Schizophrenia. They are as follows: paranoid type-frequent hallucinations with delusions, disorganized type behavior and flat affect, catatonic type-inappropriate behavior, immobility and speech problems and undifferentiated type which meets criteria for general category, but doesn't fall into any of the other types.

We may have little idea of what to expect when we begin psychotherapy, particularly if we have been referred by a doctor rather than sought it out ourselves. We may expect that, like other professionals, the therapist will give us advice, tell us what to do, or prescribe a remedy, and it can be disconcerting when he does none of these but simply listens, makes occasional comments, then says goodbye until the next time. Nothing we have experienced before can prepare us for this. We may spend the first few sessions describing our symptoms on the assumption that once we have given a full enough account he will tell us what can be done, but we tell him all we can and still nothing seems to happen, still he just listens and says goodbye when the time is up. We may begin to wonder what on earth is going on, and whether we are doing the right thing . . .

The non-transference dimension of the therapeutic relationship

We never knew exactly what went on between Freud and his patients, but perhaps what Freud said to them between the time they got off the couch and passed through the door of his consulting room was as much a part of his therapeutic influence as the "interpretations" he advanced while they were in the recumbent position. [Hans H. Strupp, in Wachtel 1977]

The therapeutic relationship can be divided broadly into two areas; what happens in the transference, and what happens outside the transference.

The personality of the therapist

We are going to pick up a great deal about the therapist in the early stages of treatment. We will consciously want to know a little about him or her, but more importantly our unconscious will be 'testing the water', wanting to find out what kind of person he or she is. Ideally we need to find in the therapist someone who has an open approachable personality, who makes us feel at ease in his presence, and in whom we feel able to place unlimited trust and confidence.

The therapist's professional stance

in between the patient and the therapist is the analyst's professional attitude, his technique, the work he does with his mind. [Winnicott 1960b]

The therapeutic relationship is paradoxical in many ways, and one of the paradoxes is that while it needs to be a relationship in which we can place enormous trust in another human being and share our most private feelings we also need it to be a strictly professional relationship.

The therapist needs to have had therapy

A good therapist will be in possession of a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will have an extensive understanding of what constitutes emotional health and how it can go wrong, and of the needs of a child in the first years of life and what happens inside the child if those needs are not met - the two are fundamentally the same. He can intuitively 'see' adult behaviour in terms of the underlying childhood experience from which it springs. But during the sessions all this knowledge will remain firmly in the back of his mind while he focuses his full attention on what is actually happening in the here and now.

For a therapist to meet all these requirements it might seem that he needs to be super-human, or a saint, but in practice what it means is that he needs to have had therapy himself. There simply is no other way to prepare for his task.

Does gender affect short term memory? The debate over whether there really is any difference between men and women when it comes to our brains has raged for some time. While there are similarities, science has been uncovering some real differences as well. The question is do those difference apply to memory?

If there are any gender short term memory differences it may come down to a discussion in both brain function and brain construction variances between the two sexes. Many of the recent studies done show that men and women do indeed process things in different ways and with different parts of their brains. Some of this has been linked to the effect reproductive hormones like Testosterone and Estrogen have on brain development. It seems that these hormones have different effects on how brain cells are created and function.

Additionally, researchers have discovered that men tend to have a greater number of neurons in the outer brain than women do, while women tend to have more of the material between neurons that are involved in the connections and processes that communicate between neurons. While this may not be directly related to memory ability during a person's lifetime, it seems to make a difference in how age related issues like dementia affect the person.

Since dementia affects a person by essentially killing off neurons, the difference in neuron quantity between the sexes could explain why dementia related issues tend to more severely affect women then men. The fact that men have more neurons to spare could mean that diseases which kill off neurons at roughly the same rate between men and women would impact women to a greater extent because the operations of the brain are shared between fewer cells and the loss of those cells would therefore impact brain function more. More work needs to be done in this area.

Some other studies on how does gender affect short term memory seem to indicate that women have slightly better ability then men when it comes to using short term memory to recall facts and words. Women often score higher then men on verbal tests so it is not completely surprising that they might have better word and fact memory on average. Conversely, men seemed to be better at spatial and function oriented memory tasks then women. So it seems that part of the answer to memory differences boils down to what is it that the person is being asked to remember.

Gender short term memory differences also seemed to be impacted by the "genderness" of what is the subject of memory. As common sense might tells us and some studies have observed, men and women tend to have better recall of items that have general appeal to that particular sex and less recall if the item seemed to apply to the other gender. This is most likely a result of concentration and time than it is due to biology. People tend to remember better the things that interest them and with which they spend a greater amount of time considering.

So the question of how does gender affect short term memory seems to be more complicated than a yes or no answer. Science has identified some real differences both in function and in biology for the brains of each sex. It also seems that since each sex has different perspectives and interests that those things which are the focus of a particular gender also impact how memory is used.

Stress is a common problem - everyone deals with it to some extent in the normal course of their life. Small amounts of stress can even be positive things. It can put your body and mind into a more productive state, helping you get through the task at hand.

If stress continues long term, however, it can lead to a number of more serious problems which can continue to escalate if not addressed.

One of the difficulties with managing stress is that as it becomes more severe, it becomes more and more difficult to deal with it. This can lead to a cyclical problem, where more stress is caused by not being able to manage the current stress properly. This can lead to becoming burned out and tired, simply making it even more hard to handle.

Different people have different ways of dealing with stress and anxiety and some people have a higher tolerance than others. Some of the most common triggers for stress are financial problems, medical problems, and family issues.

Some of the warning signs of stress include the following:

• Constant feelings of worry
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Depression
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and stomach pain

There are a number of treatments for stress. A person with any of the above symptoms should consult with their doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will often conduct an interview with you to try to determine what underlying issues are causing the stress.

Often, simply identifying the issues can have a positive effect on stress. Once the problem is identified, the doctor can help to lay out the most effective treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication or alternative treatments.

With the increase in stress, depression, dementia, etc. in our society today how we work to improve mental health is important. We quickly look for prescription drugs and other similar methods to solve this problem, but there are often serious side effects from those methods. Are there natural and safe methods that can help? Yes, but you have to be willing to implement them.

We are a society of quick fixes, but sometimes things don't always resolve that easily. To get mental health help can be challenging and sometime frustrating for those suffering with issues like depression or dementia. Stress is another one that no matter how much we talk about it as a society, we still can't seem to get it under control.

People quickly turn to doctors and therapists to improve mental health. There is some value in this and counseling can be wonderful in helping people resolve buried issues, but there seems to be a tendency to rely on things like drugs to combat these issues. However, this usually only deals with symptoms and not root causes which is not the most beneficial thing. The side effects of drugs and other similar methods are also problematic. Sleep issues, nausea, sexual issues can all come as a result of using various prescription drugs making them almost as bad as what they are supposed to cure.

Even if therapy, drugs, etc. work the cost can be quite high. While there is a time and place for these things in dealing with mental illness, the issue is really their overuse when perhaps other more basic methods could help.

I'm amazed at the number of people who are willing to take the time and the expense of going to therapy to get mental health help for stress and depression, but who claim they don't have time and/or money to exercise. While that may be true regarding money if insurance is covering the therapy, that still doesn't account for the time.

However, numerous studies have shown that exercise is a powerful tool in reducing stress and its effect on the body. It also has been shown to improve mental health for those with mild to moderate forms of depression. It really doesn't take any more time to do this than it does going to the shrink, but has all sorts of other benefits for the body as well. Longer life, reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and Alzheimer's are just some of the possible benefits of regular exercise.

Diet is another area that can be a tremendous mental health help. We all are aware of the importance of diet on heart health and cancer, but it also plays a huge role in our mental state. Even making some of the changes necessary for your heart will help. Reducing bad fats, getting more Omega 3 fatty acids from fish, increasing fruits and vegetables, getting more B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, etc. all work to improve mental health.

The ability of your brain to function properly and cope with stress, depression, etc. depends on getting the proper amounts of these nutrients. Our diets are usually insufficient to get us what our bodies and minds need. In fact we tend to be heavy on fats, sugars and carbs which in some cases can actually make symptoms worse for people already struggling with these issues.

Both of these areas mentioned are natural, safe and can have a definite impact on mental health. The issue is really more one of motivation and education than time or money. However, changes in these areas can help and may even keep people from needing to spend time and money on more expensive and potentially dangerous treatments like drugs.

Finally, one of the more interesting tools available for mental health help is that of supplements. Many are familiar with supplements for joints or fighting colds, etc. Increasingly more people are using natural herbs to combat common issues like those just mentioned. However, not everyone knows (or believes) that there are valid supplements out there that can have significant impact on your mental health.

Supplements that contain Ginkgo, Ginseng, Bacopin, Vinpocetine, huperzine A and Gotu Kola have been shown to improve cognitive function, improve mood, reduce stress effects and a host of other effects on the brain. Some of these herbs even gave prescription drugs a run for their money in recent studies on stress and depression. Yet they have relatively few side effects or issues compared with drugs. They also tend to offer a range of benefits as opposed to drugs which tend to target a specific issue.

For the most part people are familiar with left and right brain thinking, but did you know you can stimulate the growth of each through left and right brain exercises? Understanding the basics of how each hemisphere works is key to giving each a workout.

Some people may question what the point of such exercise would be, but there is good reasons behind it. Since the right brain in general is responsible for visual processing, "big picture" thinking, intuitive processing and processes ideas simultaneously doing right brain exercises would help enhance those functions. Conversely, since the left brain in general is the hemisphere that is analytical, processes step by step, verbally oriented, etc. Left brain exercises would help boost those processes.

So what exactly would such exercise entail? For the right half of the brain, it would involve performing tasks that stimulate visual usage, intuitive thinking, etc. Right brain exercises might be things like painting or drawing that use the right brain functions of visual processing as well as big picture or wholistic processing that goes on in the right hemisphere.

Right brain exercises would also include games that involve strategy or working through various tasks simultaneously. These games require that you take a look at things as a whole and at times think outside of logical deductions to achieve the goal. This would also help build up function in the right hemisphere.

For the left side, you would need left brain exercises that require word usage, logical reasoning or step by step processing. Brain teasers or word puzzles would be a couple of good examples that utilize the left hemisphere and strengthen its function.

Spelling and math activities are also good left brain exercises. These processes are done predominantly in the left hemisphere so the more you use them the more neural connections are built in that part of the brain increasing function. Basically any task or test that involves deductive reasoning, working through a problem in a sequential order or working with distinct facts and figures will enhance this part of the brain and how it works.

Whatever your preference, researchers have noted that the overall brain works more efficiently if we not only work the side that is dominant for us, but spend some time working the less dominant parts. In other words right brain exercises will be beneficial to left brained individuals and left brain exercises will help right brainers. Building up both sides actually serves to facilitate better interactions between both halves which gives your brain a more well rounded ability.

As with physical exercise, the brain is best helped if the exercise is regular and not sporadic. The brain, like muscle works on the use it or lose it principle. The more we are inactive with certain parts of our brains the harder it is for us to perform those functions. The more we work them the easier it is for us to use those functions. So whether you need a good dose of right brain exercises or left brain, the point is to get that brain in shape.

Anxiety disorders can be difficult for adults to deal with, and the problem is that much worse when it affects children. Children are often even less able to deal with the effects than adults and these disorders can affect their development.

Because of the potential for lifelong problems, it is critical that anxiety disorders in children are identified and treated as early as possible. The sooner they are dealt with, the less likely they are to develop into more serious problems down the road.

It's often difficult to pinpoint anxiety disorders in children because they're often combined with other problems as well. Anxiety often occurs along with ADHD, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, making it harder to isolate.

There are a number of methods for treating anxiety problems in children. The best choice will often depend upon the child's emotional and mental situation.

One treatment method that was traditionally considered ineffective is proper diet and nutrition. Over the past several years, however, this has gained considerable attention and research. Proper exercise and nutrition can have a positive effect on children suffering from anxiety - it will not solve the problem entirely but it can improve it.

Therapy and/or medication is one of the most thoroughly researched approaches. It has proven to be effective in many cases, as it allows the child to get his or her anxiety under control. Once it is controlled, the underlying causes can be addressed more effectively.

If a child is suffering from anxiety problems - or you even suspect they could be - a doctor should be consulted. They can do a thorough diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment if an anxiety problem is evident.

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder is a serious condition that needs to be given more consideration. Usually diagnosed in children, Attention Deficit Disorder does happen to adults as well. Evidence is leading researchers to believe an adult diagnosed with ADD probably had it as a child but went undiagnosed.

Adult ADD can be very difficult and leaving the adult incapable of coping with the responsibilities of an adult. Organization may be a problem and simple everyday tasks may cause chaos. Concentration, inattentiveness as well as restlessness can in many cases, become problems. It may be hard for an adult to with ADD to keep a job. Often when ADD is left untreated, it becomes difficult to have successful relationships. Often depression can occur because the individual feels hopeless and worthless. Some individuals with symptoms of ADD have learned to adapt and compensate. Routines and schedules are essential for anyone that suffers from ADD.

Traditional medications to treat ADD such as prescription psycho-stimulant drugs, may present the dangers of addiction and other side effects. While the disorder definitely needs to be managed, herbal therapy may be a better alternative. Native Remedies has formulated a blend of all natural herbs called Focus ADDult, that work together to help Adults with ADD or ADD type symptoms. Increase attention span and the ability to focus. It promotes mental clarity, enhances memory and brain function and helps to alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, increase energy and motivation, strengthen the immune system and decrease fatigue.

Focus ADDult is a natural and safe tonic that has been proven effective for adults with ADD or related symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with ADD or related symptoms, speak to your doctor about the benefits of herbal supplements.